MID to address Honiara’s chronic road congestions by improving two bypass roads for CBD
BY IRWIN ANGIKI
In a bid to address the chronic traffic problem in Honiara, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) is targeting the CBD’s bypass roads to lift pressure off the main road.
Bypass roads in Honiara’s CBD are Town Ground – Pt Cruz Hotbread and the road passing the Vavaya Ridge – Chiefs House – ITA Hardware shop also known as Lekaboli street, a MID statement yesterday said.
MID is also reportedly eyeing creating a back road for Honiara city, a long-term plan which needs a multi-sectoral approach.
With the Pt Cruz CBD being the centre, the traffic stretches kilometres both east and westwards during the day, worse during peak hours in the morning and late afternoons.
Major road works starting from the roundabout at the HP Hotel entrance going all the way along West Honiara highway for the Land and Maritime Connectivity project is a main contributor to the traffic.
MID said upon completion of improvement and expansion, the bypass roads will better serve as alternative routes, effectively connecting traffic to Chinatown and providing access to areas heading east.
“Aim is to reduce congestion, particularly as the road upgrade works will continue along the main Town Ground roundabout to the Central Market commencing in coming months.
“Upgrading these bypass roads is essential in addressing the immediate challenge of traffic congestion within the Honiara central business district as witnessed to facilitate smoother traffic flow while the main highway undergoes road upgrades,” MID said.
In addition to these immediate plans, MID is also exploring a long-term initiative to establish a back road for Honiara city, the statement said.
“It will require a multi-sectoral approach, involving collaboration among various stakeholders, including the the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, Guadalcanal Province, the government legal team, resource owners, local communities, and other key partners.
“However, this plan may take time to realize since it will need a wider consultation,” MID said.
“As Honiara’s population continues to grow, the demand for additional roads and transportation solutions has become increasingly apparent.
“We are dedicated to implementing strategies that enhance the city’s transportation system like the Japan International Cooperation Agency- funded Honiara urban transportation management project which is in consultation stage,” MID said.
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